Luminaire hanger



May 17, 1960 G. J. PICHA ET AL LUMINAIRE HANGER Filed Dec. 15, 1954 INVENTORS George J. Picho and Frederic C.Winkler.

ATTORNEY 2,936,991 LUMINAIRE HANGER George J. Picha and Frederic C. Winkler, Cleveland, Ohio, assignors to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application December 15, 1954, Serial No. 475,362 7 Claims. Cl. 248-343) Our inventionv relates to a new and improved luminaire hanger, and more particularly, to a new and improved wiring channel hanger for a lighting fixture.

At the present time, it is the general practice throughout the industry tofabricate lighting fixture channelsso that they are provided with an outwardly extending, ap-

proximately V-shaped bead at each of their sid'es at their upper edge. With such a construction, the channel'may' easily be supported by providing a hanger which engages both of the V-shaped beads and clamping the beads therebetween. The prior devices for supporting such channels have not been entirely satisfactory for various reasons. Some prior channel hangers have been unsatisfactory in that they have required two difi'eerntly formed cooperable members for engaging the V-shaped beads. Such a construction has entailed the additional expense of fabricating two different members, in stocking two such diiferent members, and in requiring that such different members be properly matched in the field. Still other prior devices have utilized a one-piece U-shaped hanger member having downwardly extending formed sidearms, which construction is fairly expensive. All of these prior devices have provided some means for securing a support, such as a stem, to the hanger. However, none of the hangers have provided any means whereby such a stem may easily be adjusted with relation to the hanger, whereby the wiring channel may be properly located above the fioor level.

Accordingly, one object of our invention is to provide a new and improved luminaire channel hanger of simplified construction.- Q

- Another object of our invention is to provide a new and improved luminaire channel hanger of simplified construction having two clamping members of identical construction.

Another object of our invention is to provide a new and improved two-piece luminaire channel hanger which may easily be formed.

Still another object of our invention is to provide a new and improved two-pieceluminaire channel hanger which is provided with means for adjustably securing a stem member therebetween.

A more specific object of our invention is to provide a new and improved two-piece luminaire channel hanger having a nut secured therebetween for receiving the threaded end of a stem member.

Another more specific object of our invention is to pro vide a new and improved two-piece luminaire channel hanger adapted to receive avstem member therebetween,

and which is provided with an ope ng whereby the bot-v tom of the stem member may be observed from fourdirections. 7

Another more specific object of our invention is to provide a new and improved two-piece luminaire channel hanger that may be attached to the channel at any point along its length including the junction between adjacent channels in a continuous row.

These and other objects of our inventionwill become 1 more apparent when taken in conjunction with the follow 2 ing drawings and description of a preferred embodiment of our invention, inwhich: s

Figure 1 is aside elevational view of the supporting structure for alighting fixture showing a wiring channel hanger constructed in accordance with the principles of our invention'attached thereto;

Fig.12 is an exploded perspective view of the channel hanger shown in Fig. 1, and showing a portion of a stem with relation thereto; and

Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of alighting fixture supported by the wiring channel hanger as shown in Figs.

. 1 and 2. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be noted that a wiring.

channel hanger constructed in accordance with the principles of our invention comprises a pair of irregularly formed clamps 2,. which are identical in construction.

Clamps 2 are fabricated from any suitable material, which,

has sufiicient structural strength and which may easily be fabricated as described, such as sheet steel. Each clamp 2 comprises a vertically upwardly extending plate 4, which is provided with a vertically extending, approximately half circular ofiset 6, having its center at substantially the midpoint of plate 4. As shown, when the wiring channel hanger is assembled, plates 4 are located approximately parallel to each other in spaced relationship so that the offsets 6 extend outwardly from each other to form a centrally located opening for receiving the lower end of a circular stem 8 therein. Plate 4 may obviously be of any desired shape and, as shown, is approximately trapezoidal in order to reduce the weight of the hanger and V to provide a pleasing appearance. Y i In order to secure the lower end of stem 8 between the clamps 2, each clamp 2 is provided with a slot 10,- which extends laterally through the oifset 6 thereofand into the plate 4 at each side of the ofiset for a short distance, so as to form a notch 12 in plate 4 at each end of slot 10. By. this construction, a standard nut, such as a thin hexagonal steel conduit lock nut 16, may be,

located between the clamps 2 in fixed relationship thereto, so that its central threaded opening is disposed centrally between the opposed offsets 6. ,It is,.of course, obvious that slots 10 must be formed with relation to the particular size of nut 16 that is to be used. Thus, slots 10 have an overall lateral length slightly greater than the distance between opposed parallel faces 18 of lock nut 16, so thatthe lock nut 16 may easily be inserted within the slots'10. Further, whenlock nut 16is located within the slots 10, with theplates 4 spaced from each other, the lock nut 16 will be fixed between the clamps 2 as rotation thereof is prevented by the engagement of the end corners of faces 18 of lock nut 16 with the vertically extending base of the notches 12., Although slots 10 prevent lock nut 16 from rotating,. itis necessary to provide some suitable means to hold the clamps 2 together after the lock nut 16 is so located. As can be appreciated, various methods of holding clamps 2 together maybe utilized. One desirable method of holding clamps 2 together is shown, which comprises providing each plate4 with a threaded opening 20 at one side of its oifset 6, and a clearance opening 22 at the other side of its offset 6. -By locating openings 20 and 22 equal distances from the .vertical center and on the same horizontal plane of plate 4, each clearance opening 22 will be located opposite a threaded opening 20 when the clamps 2 are assembled opposite from each other.

Thereafter, a suitable threaded means, such as a machine screw 24, may be inserted through each clearance opening 22, so as to threadedly engage the threaded opening 20 in alignment therewith, whereby a clamping force will be, exerted to hold the clamps ,2 together. It should particularly be noted that machine screws 24 are.inserted 'from' opposite sides ofthe lock nut 16 which permits 2,936,991 Y Patented May 17, 1960 the clamps 2 to be loosened from either side of lock nut 16.

Fig. 3 is illustrative of a lighting fixture utilizing an approximately U-shaped channel 26 having an outwardly extending, approximately V-shaped head 28 at each side of its bight portion. In order to support the lighting fixture from beads 28,- each clamp 2 is provided with a longitudinally extending, approximately V-shaped flange 30, which is formed to extend around either bead 28. The upper edge of each flange 30 is provided with an approximately flat, horizontally extending portion 32,

which engages the upper surface of the bight portion of wiring channel 26 adjacent the bead 28. Inasmuch as the construction of wiring channel 26 is well known, flanges 30 and fiat portion 32 can readily be designed to firmly engage the beads 28 and the upper surface of the channel 26, respectively.

As also shown the plate 4 of each clamp 2 is laterally spaced from the flat portion 32 thereof, which portions must be connected together by any suitable means. As shown, an integral upwardly ofiset plate 34 having an angularly upwardly extending flange 36 at its inner end is provided for such purposes. Although plate 4, flange 30, flat portion 32, plate 34 and flange 36 are described as separate parts, it will be apparent that clamps 2 are preferably made from a single piece of material, as previously indicated. In order to provide means for observing from above the position of the plate 34, with respect to the bight portion of the wiring channel 26, an opening 38 may be provided in plate 34. Further, in order to prevent any sharp corners of clamps 2 from sliding over the bight portion of the wiring channel 26, flange 36 is provided with a smooth curvature at the juncture point of flat portion 34.

Referring again to Fig. 3, a lighting fixture which may be supported by a hanger of our construction may be of any standard construction and, as shown, comprises an end plate 21 secured to the end of the wiring channel by any suitable means (not shown), and'to which are secured suitable lamp holding means 23 and side members 25 by any suitable means (not shown). Lamp holders 23 may be of any suitable construction for sup porting the various types of discharge devices, such as the elongated discharge device 27.

As has been indicated, a stem 8, which may be formed from any suitable material, fabricated as indicated, and which has suflicient structural strength, such as steel, is provided to support the lighting fixture. Although only one stem 8 is shown for supporting the lighting fixture, it is obvious that a number of such stems and wiring channel hangers may be utilized to support a particular lighting fixture dependent upon the length of the fixture. Stem 8 is threaded at its lower end, which threads are cooperable with the internal threads of lock nut 16. The upper end of stem 8 extends through a clearance openchannels 26 are utilized to carry the wires internally of the wiring channel and such stem wiring is unnecessary.

The installation of a lighting fixture which is supported by at least one wiring channel hanger constructed in accordance with the principles of our invention may readily be accomplished at any convenient level by initially assembling a pair of clamps 2 as indicated with a lock nut 16 properly located therebetween, and thereafter sliding the completed assembly over the beads 28 at the end of a Wiring channel 26. In order to so install the hanger on the Wiring channel 26, the screws 24 are only turned into the threaded openings a sufiicient distance. to hold the lock nut 16 in place, while permitting the flanges to freely slide over the beads 28 of wiring channel 26,. If

ing 52 in the lower arm of a U-shaped bracket 40, i

and is threaded to receive a nut 16', whereby the upper end of stem 8 is rotatably secured to bracket 40. The upper arm of bracket 40 may be secured to a standard outlet box in any well known manner. Thereafter, a formed canopy 42 which may be made of any suitable material, such as sheet aluminum for decorative purposes, which is initially placed over stem 8 before stem 8 is supported by the bracket 40, is slid upwardly on stem 8 and secured to the lower arm of bracket 40, by any suitable means such as by means of a screw and barrel nut assembly 31. If desired, for wiring purposes a knockout 44 may be provided in the canopy 42, in which event the wire is free to pass between the arms of the bracket 40, through, the central opening of stem 8, through lock nut 16 to the bight portion of the wiring channel 26, As showni'n Fig. 3, the bight por tion of, wiring channel 26 may be provided with knockouts 33 and, 35 to permit-such wires to enter the wiring channel 26. In many instances, however, the wiring desired in the case of a long wiring channel 26, a hanger may easily be assembled at any point along the wiring channel 26 by placing a clamp 2 over a bead 28 at one side of a channel 26, and thereafter locating a lock nut 16 therein, then locating a second clamp. 2 over the other bead 28. of the channel 26, and securing the two clamps- 2 together by means of the screws 24 while holding the clamps 2. Such loose assembly of the hanger is sufiicient to readily permit the fixture to be elevated to the previously installed stem or stems. 8, which extend downwardly from an upper sunface, such as a ceiling. By holding the lighting fixture below the stem 8, a hanger may be slid over the beads 28 until it is substantially in alignment-with the stem 8 to which it is to be secured. The lighting fixture is then elevated until the lower threaded end of the stem 8 engages the lock nut 16, and thereafter the stem 8 is rotated so that it threadedly engages the internal threads on then-lock nut 16. Ohviously, the hanger can be rotated instead in' order to obtain the appropriate desired position of the lock nut 16 on the stem 8 before engaging the hanger with beads 28. Thereafter, the entire structure may be made substantially rigid by tightening the screws 24 into the threaded openings 20.

Although the fixture at this point of the installation is held substantially rigidly in position, it is to be realized that in proper lighting installations, it is necessary that the individual fixtures be level, and in the case of a long line of fixtures, that must be arranged in proper align; ment. In this regard, it will be noted that each offset 6 is provided on substantially its mid-point with a vertically extending elongated open ended slot 50 which extends from a point below the slot ltlupwardly so as, to intersect slot 10. By this means, the lower end of thestem 8 is visible from either side of a hanger through either clamp 2. Thus, in leveling the fixture, it can, easily be determined approximately how many threads are available on the lower end of a stem or stems 8 for leveling purposes, and the proper adjustment easily accomplished. Further, slot 59 makes it possible to insure that, stems 8 will not be rotated to a point where the fixture would fall during the leveling process, and further insures that the lower end of the stem 8 extends below the lock nut 16 when finally located therein. It should also be noted that the offset 34 is elevated above the bight portion of the wiring channel'26, whereby the lower end of the stem 8 may be observed to insure that it is not forced into engagement with the bight portion of the wiring channel 26.

Another feature of our invention is in theuse of identical clamps 2. Obviously such identical component parts considerably reduces the fabrication and stocking costs. Also, however, by such identical construction, it is possible to release the clamps 2 from either side of the fixture in order to enable the hanger to be moved over the beads 28 of channel 26 so that the stems 8 are in proper alignment. Such release of the clamps 2 can easily be accomplished by loosening the screw 24 on the side of the fixture facing the person.

Accordingly, having described a preferred embodimentv of the inventionin accordance with the patent statutes,

it is desired that our invention be not limited to the shitbe interpreted as broadly as possible and that it be limited only as required by the prior art.

We claim as our invention:

1. A hanger adapted to support a luminaire from a stem having a free end comprising, a pair of separate substantially identically formed brackets each having a plate portion which has a recess extending across an intermediate portion thereof to extend lengthwise along the free end of said stem with one side of the stem received in said recess and with said plate portions located opposite each other and the stem therebetween, means engaging said brackets at opposite sides of said recesses for releasably clamping said stern between said plate portions and in said recesses, each of said brackets having an opening therein extending through said recesses, a nut ofa size to have opposite side edge portions thereof closely and non-rotatably received within said openings. in each of said brackets, respectively, when the latter are held in clamping relation to the stern, for threadedly engaging the free threaded end of said stem, and said brackets having outwardly extending means for engaging a luminaire for supporting same.

2. A luminaire supporting bracket comprising, separate substantially identically formed plate-like supporting members each of which has a recess extending across it intermediate opposite sides thereof so that said supporting members can be positioned at opposite sides of a supporting stem with opposite sides of the stem located in said recesses, respectively, securing means engaging said members at opposite sides of said recesses for drawing said members together into clamping engagement with a stem inserted therebetween, an opening extending transversely across the recess of each of said members intermediate the ends thereof, and a nut having opposite side edge portions received in said openings so as to be non-rotatably held in said openings at least when said securing means is drawn up a predetermined amount less than that required to securely clamp said stem.

3. A luminaire supporting bracket comprising, separate substantially identically formed plate-like supporting members each of which has a recess extending across it intermediate opposite sides thereof so that said supporting members can be positioned at opposite sides of a supporting stem with opposite sides of the stem located in said recesses, respectively, securing means engaging said members at opposite sides of said recesses for drawing said members together into clamping engagement with a stem inserted therebetween, an opening extending transversely across the recess of each of said members intermediate the ends thereof, a nut having opposite side edge portions received in said openings so as to be non-rotatably held in said .openings at least when said securing means is drawn up a predetermined amount less than that required to securely clamp said stem, and a second opening in at least one of said supporting members adjacent the bottom of its recess and extending longitudinally of the recess from one side of the transverse recess therein.

4. A luminaire supporting bracket comprising, separate substantially identically formed plate-like supporting members each of which has a recess extending across it intermediate opposite sides thereof so that said supporting members can be positioned at opposite sides of a supporting stem with opposite sides of the stem located in said recesses, respectively, securing means engaging said members at opposite sides of said recesses for drawing said members together into clamping engagement'with' a stem inserted therebetween, an opening extending transversely across the recess of each of said members inter-1 mediate the ends thereof, a nuthaving opposite side edge portions received in said openings so as to be non-rotatably held in said openings atleast when said securing means is drawn up by a predetermined amount less than that required to securely clamp said stem, each of said supporting members having a portion extending laterally outwardly from one end of its recess which terminates in a reversely bent flange for engagement with a luminaire support member when said securing means is drawn up the aforesaid predetermined amount.

5. In a hanger, the combination comprising a pair of opposed clamping members each having a recess extending across it intermediate opposite edges thereof, said recesses conforming partially to the outer periphery of a support stem so that said clamping members can be positioned at opposite sides of said stem with opposite sides of the stern being located in said recesses respectively, securing means engaging said clamping members for drawing said members together into clamping engagement with said stem when inserted therebetween, an opening extending transversely across the recess of each said clamping member at a position intermediate the ends of its recess, and a nut having opposed edge portions received in said openings respectively so as to be nonrotatably held in said openings when said securing means is drawn up at least to a predetermined amount less than that required to securely clamp said stem.

6. In a hanger, the combination comprising a pair of clampingmembers each having a recess extending across it at a position intermediate opposite edges thereof, said recesses conforming to a portion of the periphery of a supporting stern so that said clamping members can be positioned at' opposite sides of said stem with opposite sides of the stem being located in said recesses respectively, securing means engaging said clamping members for drawing said members together into clamping engagement with said stem when inserted therebetween, an opening extending transversely across the recess of each clamping member at a position intermediate the ends of its recess, and retaining means engageable at selected positions along the length of said stem and having opposite edge portions received in said openings respectively so that engagement in a predetermined one of said lastmentioned positions is maintained when said securing means is drawn up at least a predetermined amount less than that required to securely clamp said stem.

7. In a hanger, the combination comprising a pair of opposing clamp members each having a recess extending across it at a position intermediate opposite sides thereof, said recesses conforming respectively to opposite portions of a periphery of a supporting stem so that said clamping members can be positioned at opposite sides of said stem with said opposite portions thereof being located in said recesses respectively, securing means engaging said members for drawing said members together into clamping engagement with said stem when inserted therebetween, an opening extending transversely across the recess of each member at a position intermediate the ends of said recess, and locking means engageable With said stem at selected positions along its length and having opposite lateral projections inserted into said openings respectively at least when said clamping members are positioned adjacent said clamping engagement so that said locking means and said stern are retained against longitudinal movement thereof relative to said clamping members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

